Batty has A team at the helm

England A are in the box seat after the third day of the first four-day international against West Indies A as the home side require another 330 runs to win with nine wickets standing at the Antigua Recreation Ground.

England A are in the box seat after the third day of the first four-day international against West Indies A as the home side require another 330 runs to win with nine wickets standing at the Antigua Recreation Ground.

England took little time in the morning session to finish West Indies' first innings on 253 with Gareth Batty, the Worcestershire off-spining allrounder, continuing his good form with another five-wicket haul (5-83). He had earlier scored an unbeaten 75 in England's first innings.

James Dalrymple (53) and Rikki Clarke (46) had an 86-run stand and England took a lead of 364. By the close West Indies were 35 for one.

The home side had resumed on 229 for seven and only one run had been added before Batty completed his five-wicket haul, dismissing Sylvester Joseph (46) after a 41-run partnership.

Clarke then dismissed the home side's other overnight batsman David Mohammed (28) caught by Warwickshire's Alex Loudon. Clarke (2-50) concluded the innings on 253 by bowling Tino Best.

In England's second innings Mike Yardy fell to seamer Jermaine Lawson for nought and captain Vikram Solanki, of Worcestershire, followed at 22, caught by Mohammed off the fiery Best. Mohammed bowled Ed Joyce for nine before Richard Kelly had Loudon leg-before for 18 as the fourth wicket fell at 50.

England reached 58 for four at lunch after which Dalrymple and Clarke prospered. Wicketkeeper Chris Read became Kelly's third wicket but Batty (16) put on 30 with county team-mate Kabir Ali who continued with determination after tea and had a stand of 46 with Alex Wharf (20 not out). Kabir hit three fours and a six in his 40. ..SUPL: